Kindlekin

Do not let the fiend within take hold - bear down on your enmity; use it as a fuel in your endeavors!

The Kindlekin are a shard of Elfen born out of circumstance; conceived under the dark sun Ruin, emerging as a hate-filled shadow of their former selves. Many Elfen were exiled during the Exodus  of 41986 PS - a rash decision made out of fear of the Dro'zu by leaders of Bastions and outposts around Arcluminus.
Some Elfen fled and hid within wild forests in the dark corners of the world, hoping the Dro'zu would not find them there, among beasts and savages alike.
Others fled to The Crucible - either dying upon the fire blasted sands or coming out the other side as twisted versions of themselves reborn by the dark magic of Ruin. These are the Kindlekin.
Hiding in dim caverns, abandoned outposts or taking their chances with the Walls of Gash, these once-Elfen festered under Ruin. This artifact of a long-gone sorcerer bred evil thoughts in their minds - warping them with time and exposure, filling them with a penchant for vengeance and greed, blackening their hearts to an ashy form of what they once were, full of anger and hate.
With time, the Kindlekin began to adapt to The Crucible and the blazing totem above. Some embraced their enmity, using it as a fuel for their malicious endeavors. Others studied ways to suppress it, reinventing themselves, many using their indignation as a font for intense passion, creativity and perseverance. But one thing can be said for all Kindlekin - whether motivated by fury, bitterness, devotion, fervor or zeal, most have a deep-seeded resentment for the Dro'zu, as well as those whom carry positions of authority, riches and comfort. It is by their hands that the Kindle-people were cast out and left for dead.
The current status of Kindlekin society is varied. Many partake in harsh trade work - being a resilient and hardy people makes them perfect for working in mines or as builders of great settlements and monuments. Others fight of their free will in gladiatorial arenas; an outlet for their rage and an efficient way to gain notoriety and riches. Many Kindlekin have taken to adventuring in order to find purpose, seek vengeance on those who wronged them, or to simply escape the blasted landscape of [The Crucible]..
Something of note - the cankerous, twisted magic of Ruin cut off these once-Elfen from the Arctorians and Seyluna. They no longer hear the Call of the Progenitor, and over time have evolved beyond this condition of the Elfen.

Basic Information

Genetics and Reproduction

Kindlekin reproduce by undergoing a modified version of the blood ritual that the Dro'zu use, wherein they must sacrifice something of great importance to them. This ritual also requires a mate. They are able to reproduce with any Elf-kin other than Elfen - this includes other Kindlekin, Wylderkin and Dro'zu (though the latter would be considered an abomination and a sleight to the Kindle-folk). Depending on which member commits the sacrifice determines the dominant Elf-kin species that the child will take on attributes of. The one committing the sacrifice gestates shortly afterwards and births a child within the month. Kindlekin never have more than one child at a time - this means that a lot is given to create a family, and that their bonds are stronger than steel.

Growth Rate & Stages

The Kindle-folk age extraordinarily quickly, reaching full maturity within 8 - 10 years and having an average lifespan of 35 years. This is undoubtedly due to their environment, as the arid badlands are doused in a taxing, harsh light that most beings find difficult to bear.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Most Kindlekin are carnivores. Kindlekin are known for their voracious appetites - they burn through their energy quite quickly and thus need to feed much more often than others.

Biological Cycle

When a Kindlekin reaches maturity (8 - 10 years), and often again in their 20s, they shed their skin, unveiling a resilient, tough flesh beneath. This is known as "renouncement" - the act of leaving one's self behind. While this is simply part of the way that Kindlekin's bodies mature, it is also said to be part of the reason that they are able to resist the torrid winds and the constant blaze of Ruin. An old, tattered, sun-beaten shell left behind; a fresh body emerging into the light to beat back the perils anew.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Kindlekin tend to group into clans, tribes, etc. Family is very important to them and they tend to gravitate towards their own species, as it is not unheard of for them to feel abandoned by the rest of the world.

Facial characteristics

Deep, sunken eyes of dark browns, greys and blacks. Often cracked, red lips. Thick eyebrows and long lashes help to fend off sand and debris.

Average Intelligence

Kindlekin are quite intelligent, though are often described as "creative" or "cunning" more-so than "brilliant".

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Kindlekin have difficulty seeing in dark places as their sight has evolved to adapt to the near-constant bright light cast by Ruin. Their hearing, however, is near unmatched - heightened to extraordinary levels as a survival mechanism against predators that roam the blinding wastes of their homeland.

Genetic Ancestor(s)

• Elfen

Lifespan

35

Average Height

5'8'' - Kindlekin are quite short compared to their Elfen brethren, often hunched over due to spinal malformations. If stood erect, they would average 6'4''.

Average Weight

165lbs

Average Physique

Kindlekin are generally quite lean and gaunt, though it does vary individual to individual.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Skin colour tends to be tanned or dark, due to their habitat. Red-skinned Kindlekin are also not unheard of.